The Watchtower, August 15, 1920

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“Z tcill stand upon my watch, and will set upon the Tower, and. tcill watch to see uhat say unto me, and what answer 1 shall mak( that oppose me.”—Habakkuk 2:1.

No. 16

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Upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity: the sea and the waves (the restless, discontented) roaring; men’s hearts falling them for fear and for looking to the things coming upon the earth (society): for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiasticism) shall be shaken. . . . When ye see these things begin to come to Dass, then know that the Kingdom of God is at band. Look up. lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.—Matthew 24:33; Mark 13:29; Luke 21:2$-3l

Vol. NLI

Semi-Monthly

Anno Mundi 6048 —August 15, 1920

' ROCK'OF AGES_ Otfierfdunciation can‘''«

>; no man lay -

A RANSOM FOR A-lC^

CONTENTS

To Foreign Fields..................................

Convention Tour ...............................

Who Would Have Supposed?...............

The Los Angeles Resolution...............

Concerning the Children.................

The Divine Ordination.......................

Jehovah’s Spirit the Holy Spirit.......

The Anointing for Service................

Healing Them of a Broken Heart.... The Harvest Application..................

The Evils of Intemperance..........

Mental and Physical Poverty............

Sai l, David, and Solomon Compared “As the Lord Commanded Him”.. .. “Let linn Curse”...... .......

Good News from Rovmania . . .

... .243

.....244

...244 .246

. 247

. . 248

THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION

THIS journal Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or “Seminary Extension”, now befaff presented in all parts of the civilized world by the Watch Tower Bible k Tract Society, chartered A. D, 1884, “For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge”. It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society's conventions and of the coming of its traveling representatives, styled “Pilgrims”, and refreshed with reports of its conventions.

Our “Berean Lessons” are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published Studies most entertainingly arranged, and very helpful to all who would merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. D. M.), which translated into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.

This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian's hope now being so generally repudiated —redemption through the precious blood of “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute) for all”. (1 Peter 1: 19 ; 1 Timothy 2:6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: Ills; 2 Peter 1 :5-ll) of the Word of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which. . .has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3: 5-9,10.

It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men. while it seeks more and more to bring ils every utterance into fullest subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident ; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of bis good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge our readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.

TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

That the church is “the temple of the living God”, peculiarly “his workmanship” ; that its construction has been in progress throughout the gospel age—ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, when finished, God's blessing shall come “to all people”, and they find access to him.—1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2; 20-22; Genesis 28:14; Galatians 3 : 29.

That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses ; and when the last of these “living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in the first resurrection ; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Millennium.—Revelation 15 : 5-8. '

That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that "Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man,” “a ransom for all,” and will be “the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”, “in due time".— Hebrews 2:9; John 1: 9 ; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.

That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, “see him as he is,” be “partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his glory as bis joint-heir.—1 John 3 :2; John 17: 24 ; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1: 4.

That the present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service: to develop in herself every grace; to be God's witness to the world ; and to prepare to be kings and priests in the next age.—Ephesians 4:12; Matthew 24 : 14 ; Revelation 1:6; 20 : 6.

That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the restitution of all that was lost In Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3:19-23; Isaiah 35.

pUSLISHCD By

WATCH TOWER. BIBLE 6-TRACT SOCIETY/

i24 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS *a o BROOKLYN. NY,U SA

Foreign Offices : British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate, London W. 2; Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia; South African: 123 Plein St., Cape Town, South Africa.

Pgease Address the Society in Every Case.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $1.00 IN ADVANCE CANADIAN AND FOREIGN SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $1.50

SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS OR POSTAL ORDER, OR BY BANK DRAFT FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY INTERNATIONAL POSTAL ORDERS ONLY (Foreign translations of this journal appear in'several languages)

Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee at least three of whom have read and approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns. The names of the editorial committee are: J. F. Rutherford, W. E. Van Amburgh, F. II. Robison, G. H. Fisher, W. E. Page.

TO FOREIGN FIELDS

The world war greatly interrupted the communication of the Society’s headquarters in the United States with its foreign branches. After the storm has abated for a season, wre rejoice to announce that further efforts will be made to render some aid to the brethren who Labor in other lands. Arrangements have been made for Brother Rutherford to sail from New York August 12 on the S. S. hnper-ator for the purpose of serving the friends and the general public in Great Britain and other countries. Appointments in Great Britain have already been made as follows :

DATE CITY PLACE OF MEETING

August 22 .. . . London ..................... ..........Tabernacle

August 25 .......Birmingham ......................................Tow n Hall

August 26...........Leeds ....................................................... City Ilall

August 27 30.....Glasgow’ Convention....... Public meeting August

29 at St. Andrews Hall

August 31 .........Dundee........................... Foresters’ Hal!

September 1........Edinburgh...............................................Usher Hall

September 2.......Newcastle...........................................Town Hall

Septemtier 3......Hull.....................................................City Hall

September 4-6 ..Liverpool Convention. Public meeting September 5 at Philharmonic Hall

September 7.......Sheffield............. . .... ... . Temperance Hall

September 8........Derby ............................... .Temperance Hall

September 10-13..London Convention.....Public meeting September

12 at Royal Albert Hall

September 14 Leicester........................................DeMontfort Hall

September 15 Manchester....................................Free Trade Hall

September 16......Bristol......................................................Colston Hall

After this brief tour in Great Britain Brother Rutherford will visit continental Europe. He will also go to Palestine and Egypt, and will be accompanied to Athens, Palestine and Egypt by Brother Driscoll and other brethren with a moving picture apparatus for the purpose of making moving pictures of actual scenes of the rebuilding of Palestine and other things of Biblical interest in Greece, Egypt, and Rome. We take occasion here to announce that these moving pictures are being prepared for the purpose of a general witness to the truth, and w’hile the Society cannot engage in the manufacture and sale of projecting machines, a separate corporation, the Kinemo Kit Corporation, for promoting this work, will manufacture a miniature projecting machine suitable for use in the parlors of homes, in small halls and school bouses, so that any person can operate it, either by use of electric light or a specially prepared gas light, and can use the pictures for teaching Bible lessons. These machines and the Alms will be manufactured and furnished to the friends as cheaply as possible. A projecting machine and four reels of film can be furnished at approximately $30.00, and it is expected that other reels of film will be produced at the rate of one per month, at least, and will be furnished, to those having machines, at a very low cost. The Society will control the output or the machines and the film so that it may be used to the best ad vantage for teaching the truth. The purpose is to enable the friends, or any one else who desires, to have one of these machines and film in their home and invite their neighbors in and give them a Bible lecture, illustrated by the moving pictures, and they can also be used in small halls and school houses. We are looking for ward to this as a means of giving a wide witness to the truth, and hope to be able to say more about this in the columns of The Watch Tower in the near future. Friends desiring to purchase one of these projecting machines and film may send in their orders now and remit the money later, when we are able to announce in The Watch Tower definitely what the price will be. An intimation of the number desired would enable the manufacturers to determine about how many to make at the beginning.

AUSTRALIAN WORK

The friends of Australia were never favored with a \isit from Brother Russell although lie several times contemplated a trip there. While they have requested a number of times that Brother Rutherford visit them, he has yet been unable to go ; but arrangements have now been made for Brother MacPherson to spend some time in Australia. He is expected to sail the 15th of September accompanied by Sister MacPherson, and will serve the classes in Australia and address a number of public meetings in the principal cities of Australia and New Zealand. Further information about appointments in Australia and New Zealand can be had by addressing the Society’s branch office at 495 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia.

YOUR BELATED TOWERS

At no time in many years have ye been so thoroughly up to date with the publication of The Watch Tower as in the last four or five months. This August 15th issue, for instance, goes to press this 22d day of July, and, barring accidents or divine interference, will surely all be mailed before August 1. Yet, notwithstanding this extra effort on our part to counteract the slow movement of mails, not a few complaints have come in, stating that Tow’ers are late in arriving. We regret this situation, hut are powerless to remedy it. The situation seems to be worse in the larger cities where there are frequent changes in the personnel of the postal force.

Since the circulation of The Watch Tower, while not vast, is world wide, we make an effort to bridge the chasm of time and space between us and our Australian and New Zealand and other far-removed friends by mailing any given number two weeks before date of issue.

Vot XT.I

Avgust 15. 1920

No. 16

CONVENTION TOUR

“Aoi foisakuiti tin n w m hl t if </ of nufsclrc.s toficthcr. as the maitnei of some is: but e.i hoi tinii one itnotlici ■ and so much the more, ns m sec the ilnji appronchina "—Ifcbrcns ]0:2fi. '

OBEDIENT io flic Apo.-tleA admonition, the International Bible Students find much joy in ever and anon assembling themselves together in convention. Sometimes one large general convention is held, and again many .smaller ones. It was deemed best this year not to attempt one large general convention, but to have a number ot conventions in different parts of the country, suiting the convenience of the greater number of the Bible Students, and at the same time giving a wider public witness to the message that now seems due.

The western conventions began with Denver, Colorado, June 11 -13. Brother Van Amburgh was chairman of this convention, and the other speakers that addressed the gathering were Brothers Crist, Toutjian, and Rutherford. About five hundred of the brethren attended this convention. Many were the expressions of gladness that the Lord had spared them to again assemble and recount the many blessings of the past, anti to encourage each other with reference to the future. On Sunday afternoon at the city Auditorium Brother Rutherford addressed three thousand people on the subject “Millions Now Living Will Never Die”. The attention was very close and much interest manifested by those present, who remained throughout the two hours of the address.

A convention of the friends was held at San Francisco, California. June 18 - 30, attended by about five hundred and fifty friends. The unity of spirit was manifested here in a very marked degree, every one rejoicing who had the privilege of again assembling together. On Sunday morning the Bible Students, taking up the cases of Sister Martin, and Brothers Hamm. Stevens, and Sonnenberg. then in prison for selling “’The Finished Mystery". passed a resolution calling upon President Wilson to release them from prison. In the afternoon Brother Rutherford addressed the public meeting at the Scottish Rite Auditorium on the subject “Millions Now Living Will Ne\er Die". Although this was the second time he had addressed a meeting in that same hall on the same subject, there was again a capacity house which showed great appreciation, frequently manifesting its approval of hi« address by vigorous applause. During his address he described in detail how that certain agents of the Department of Justice, operating under the direction of the District Attorney of Southern California, had inveigled Sister Martin and the brethren above mentioned into selling them copies of “The Finished Mystery”, and how these officers of the law had gone to a meeting of the Bible Students for the express purpose of procuring evidence against them to have them arrested. The audience showed its manifest indignation at such conduct on the pait of the officers, and when Brother Rutherford had finished hi- discourse Colonel J. Arthur Peterson, who was seated on the platform, arose and offered a resolution demanding their release. We quote from the San Francisco ('all. which published the proceedings next day, as follows:

“Judge Rutherford, in closing bis address tins afternoon, asked the question, ‘Are events transpiring in this country that parallel the religious persecution of the times of inquisition of the dark ages?' He answered his own question by emphatically declaring, ‘Yes, and I want to tell you of a case almost within the limits of your own city’.

“Judge Rutherford then described the case of Mrs. Emma Martin, a gentle Christian woman of Southern California, grey-haired and saintly, a physician’s widow, who about a month ago was incarcerated in San Quentin prison in a ward with vile-mouthed criminal negro women. He told how this case was framed up by the Attorney General’s representatives in Southern California, who came to Mrs. Martin’s Bible class, posed as interested in Bible study, and begged her to let them have a copy of ‘The Finished Mystery’, a Bible commentary exclusively devoted to explaining the mysteries of the book of Ezekiel, of the Old Testament, and the book of Revelation. They then arrested her for tins; and now. more than eighteen months after the armistice, she lias been incarcerated to serve several years in San Quentin penitentiary for selling this Bible commentary.

“During the recital of this most astonishing case, Colonel J. Arthur Petersen, who with many others was seated on the platform, offered the following resolution, which he requested the privilege of putting to the entire audience assembled. The chairman, after assuring himself respecting the nature of the motion, granted the Colonel the privilege of presenting his resolution, which was done in high-sounding patriotic language, intermixed with effective strains evidencing great emotion and sincere indignation. '

"At the conclusion of Colonel Petersen’s remarks many persons throughout the audience arose to second his motion, and shoul- of ‘I second the motion’ were heard from all parts of the auditorium. Mr. J. E. Brookes, recently a noncommissioned officer in Uncle Sam’s army, repeatedly requested the privilege of seconding this resolution, stating that surelv the proper officials will lake immediate action to undo such a wrong—a remark which well expressed the general sentiment of all seconding the motion. The question being put, the resolution was passed unanimously, followed by an unusual outburst of applause and approval.

“Following this demonstration. Colonel Petersen again arose to his feet and requested the privilege of offering the same motion witli the names of Messrs. Hamm, Sonnenberg, and Stevens, now imprisoned at McNeill’s Island federal penitentiary, who were convicted on similarly framed up cases, and stipulating that the President should be requested to take favorable action in their cases also.

“The seconding and passing of this second motion was fully as spontaneous and dramatic as the first, and many were the sober-minded and sober-faced who emerged front this memorable meeting."

In presenting this resolution Colonel Petersen read a very dramatic article from the Seattle Record, in which the writer stated that the manner of conviction and imprisonment of these men strongly indicated that we had already entered into another period of darkness and inquisition.

The article from the Seattle Record follows:

WHO WOULD HAVE SUPPOSED? By Anise

"Out on the wharves of Los Angeles as the steamer ‘President’ left for Seattle came hundreds of Bible students bearing flowers and singing songs in farewell to four of their number who were going away to prison! They were simple folk, deeply religious, not overmuch Interested in politics, but .concerned with the coming of the Lord as explained by Pastor Russell. And three years hack, in wartime, they circulated a book, ‘The Finished Mystery,’ containing chiefly discussions of Ezekiel and Revelation, and incidentally denouncing war! They were a quiet people, and unobtrusive, desiring no quarrel with any governments, and when they heard their book had been accounted seditious, they ceased at once to use it! But some of them bad sold it already, not knowing it was unlawful, and these were at once arrested and brought to trial!

"Honest, industrious citizens, men of family, men with sons in our army, men who had never before been haled to court, yet they were sentenced to prison for selling ‘The Finished Mystery’ 1 Month after month their case dragged its way through the courts, till now, nearly two years after armistice, their hist appeal is denied, and they are shipped from Los Angeles up to McNeill Island to spend three years in Jail for their religion! Down on the dock as they left, laden with many flowers, arose the song of the church:

‘God be with you till we meet again!’

And the prisoners spoke, saying how glad they were to hear witness of their faith before the world 1 It was like a scene in the days of the early church when heathen emperors imprisoned the new believers.

"Who would have supposed it could happen today in America?’’ Again we quote from the San Francisco Call:

“The chairman of the mass meeting, W. L. Dimock, prepared and forwarded to President Wilson this telegram;

“ 'President Woodrow Wilson, Washington:

“ ‘In response to your recent declaration that no one had been, and to your Invitation to the Republican party to pio-duee a single instance in which any person had been, unjustly convicted or punished for violation of the Espionage Act, a very large number of patriotic American citizens this afternoon In mass meeting assembled in the Scottish Rite auditorium In this city unanimously and enthusiastically passed the following resolution:

“ *Whebeas a Christian lady home missionary, Mrs. Emma Martin, is held In prison at San Quentin under die Espionage law for selling one copy of ‘The Finished Mystery’, a Bible commentary, to Federal officers at their solicitation;

" ‘And Whereas this Christian home missionary Is now daily compelled to associate with vile and Immoral negro women, being held in prison almost two years after the war is over;

“ ‘And Whereas she could not possibly have Intended to Impede the draft law by selling to Federal officers at their solicitation this book;

“ ‘Now, therefore, resolved by this mass meeting of American citizens at San Francisco assembled, who are and always have been loyal to the American Government:

“ ‘That we regard the conviction and imprisonment of Mrs. Martin, the said Christian home missionary, under the Espionage law as unjust, un-Christian and un-American;

“ 'That the action of Federal officers in using the power of their office to inveigle, entrap and induce said Christian home missionary, Mrs. Martin, to sell them the copy of ‘The Finished Mystery’ and then to frame up against her a case to have her sent to prison we denounce as infamous, outrageous, dishonest, unjust, in flagrant violation of American principles, as a disgrace to American institutions, and as destructive of the time-honored religious and civil freedom which are the very foundation principles of the American Government;

“ ‘And Resolved, that the facts in this ease be brought to the attention of President Wilson, and that he be requested immediately to release said Mrs. Martin from prison and to restore her to full citizenship.

“ ‘Subsequent to the adoption of the foregoing resolution, information was called for respecting the imprisonment of Messrs. Hamm, Sonnenberg, and Stevens at McNeill’s Island federal penitentiary for violating the Espionage Act The Information comprising the testimony of the government’s agents so clearly indicated that these cases also had been framed up by the Department of Justice of Southern. California, that a resolution calling for immediate action in their favor on your part was unanimously adopted, and you are hereby apprised in accordance therewith.

“ ‘W. L. Dimock, Chairman Mass Meeting.’ ”

That evening the chairman of the public meeting wired a copy of the resolution to President Wilson at Washington, which the President received on Monday, and the same afternoon he signed the pardon of Sister Martin, Brothers Hamm, Stevens, and Sonnenberg, and wired instructions to the prison keepers for the release of the friends named.

This public meeting was held one day before the beginning of the ZG campaign throughout the country, but it was thought well to offer the ZGs for sale at the conclusion of the public address, which was done, and more than four hundred copies were sold.

Brother Taliaferro was chairman of the San Francisco convention, and the other speakers were Brothers Van Amburgh, Toole, and Rutherford.

A one-day convention was held at San Diego, Califoi-nia, on the 27th of June, which was addressed by Brothers Lee and Rutherford. About one hundred friends attended this gathering. In the morning a public meeting at the Spreckles Theatre was addressed by Brother Rutherford, 1500 being present and others turned away. The subject here was “Millions Now Living Will Never Die”, and there was great interest manifested. At the conclusion of the meeting two hundred sixty-five ZGs were sold, the supply being exhausted which the friends had on hand at that time.

A convention for Southern California was held at Ixis Angeles, July 3, 4 and 5, and was attended by seven hundred and fifty friends, or more. This convention was one of unusual spiritual uplift, and many were the remarks made of joy experienced in the privilege of attending. The convention was addressed by Brothers Sexton, Toole, Van Amburgh, Goux, and Rutherford. Brother Van Amburgh was chairman of this convention. All the ad -dresses were well received by the friends. The convention closed on the evening of the 5th of July with a love feast. Every one went away feeling that he had been drawn nearer to the Lord and closer to the brethren. It was indeed good to be there.

THE LOS ANGELES RESOLUTION

Sunday afternoon the public meeting was addressed by Brother Rutherford at Trinity Auditorium, which has a seating capacity of 2500. The house was filled to overflowing, the stage being full of people and others were standing. This public mass meeting took action concerning religious persecution, which we publish here for the information of our readers. In May the Attorney General’s office at Washington directed the District Attorneys throughout the United States to procure orders of court for the releasing of “The Finished Mystery”, which had been seized during the war. Everywhere throughout the country these orders were obeyed and the books readily released, except in Los Angeles. Here it will be recalled that about twenty-four of our brethren were tried jointly before Judge Bledsoe for an alleged violation of the Espionage law, because of selling “The Finished Mystery”. The jury failed to agree and the brethren were discharged. Before the same judge Brother Eagleston was tried, and, the jury failing to agree in that case, Judge Bledsoe made some very caustic remarks from the bench encouraging mob violence. When the time came for asking for the release of “The Finished Mystery”, Judge Bledsoe, refused to make an order releasing the books unless it was agreed that they should be burned. This, of course', was not agreed to. The subject of Brother Rutherford’s public address Sunday was “T1k> Croat Conspiracy’’. During the. delivery of his discourse he took occasion to review the. eases of Sister Martin. Brothers Hamm, Stexens, and Sonnenberg, Eagleston, and other cases of persecution of the Bible Students in Germany, Austria Hungary, Great Britain, Canada, and the United States. He paid his respects to Judge Bledsoe in plain terms that the audience would have no difficulty in understanding, and the audience manifested its decided approval by vigorous and repeated applause. At the conclusion of his address the following resolution was offered and its adoption moved by Brother Sexton and seconded by Brother Gerdes. The audience then, voting to adopt the resolution, arose to its feet, not one single person voting against it, but all voting for the adoption of the resolution. The resolution follows:

“Resolved by this mass meeting of loyal American citizens assembled on this 4th day of July, 1920, the anniversary of American independence, as follows :

“That we rejoice in the record made by our forefathers, who tied from religious intolerance and persecution in Europe and here laid the foundation of the great American Government, which guaranteed to every man the right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience:

“That we deplore the spirit of religious intolerance and persecution manifested by certain classes of people in United States in recent months, and we enter our solemn protest against the unrighteous persecution of the International Bible Students Association and against the burning of ‘The Finished Mystery’, one of their Bible commentaries, as unjust, un-American, and un-Christian.

“We hold that it is an inalienable right of every American citizen to determine what religion he will embrace and what religious literature he shall or shall not read, and that no judge or other oliicer has any power or authority to say what religious literature any American citizen shall or shall not read: that this Government has never adopted a censor law, and that no one has tiny authority to arrogate to himself or themselves the power to censor what religious literature the people sliall read.

“Resolved that, a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the public press.”

A large number of ZGs were then sold to the public at the conclusion of this meeting.

The convention for the Northwest was held at Tacoma, Washington: and because of the extra effort put forth for a public witness in that place this was the only convention held in the Northwest, aside from the one-day meeting at Spokane. 'This convention opened on the 7th of July and closed the evening of the 11th of July. Brother Van Amburgh presided at this convention, and other speakers were Brothers Crist, Herr, Kendall, Goux, Sexton, Macl’horson. and Rutherford. These meetings were a great uplift to the friends of the Northwest, being attended by brethren from British Columbia, as well as Washington, Oregon, and other parts of the West. The highest number of brethren attending was about fifteen hundred. All the addresses of the brethren at the convention were well received. The testimony meetings also manifested a great depth of loving appreciation on the part of the friends for the many blessings bestowed upon them by the Lord and for the opportunity of continuing to serve him. Quite a number were present who at one time had thought it best to unite with the "Stand Fa.-ters”, but now have returned to their iii-'t love and are rejoicing greatly that the Lord has kindly led them back to the ones with whom first they associated after coming to a knowledge of the truth. The spirit of the Lord prevailed in a marked degree throughout the convention, and the faces of his dear children 'hone ith gladness. Whether they met in the meeting place or upon the streets or in hotels they manifested happiness. It was indeed a blessed convenion. good to be there, and reminding all of the general assembly of the church of the fiistborn, to which all the members of the body are looking forward with great anticipation and joy.

The Stadium was secured for the public meeting on Sunday afternoon. This is a large outdoor arena, with wonderful acoustic properties, and has a capacity of forty thousand people. Such a Stadium in New York, or some other thickly populated community, could he easily filled; but when we remember that Tacoma is situated in a thinly populated portion of the United States, it wa» not expected that this great place would be filled. Nine different newspapers of the Northwest country carried full-page advertisements of the public address on the subject “Millions Now Living Will Never Die”. Sunday morning came, and the clouds overcast the sky and it remained cloudy throughout the day, but did not rain. This may have kept some away, yet the cloudy condition made it more comfortable for those who were in the Stadium. More than an hour before the time for the meeting great streams of people poured in, and hundreds of automobiles drove in the arena, and by the time Brother Rutherford reached the platform fully twelve thousand people were in the Stadium. It was a wonderful spectacle to mark this great multitude of people assembled to hear discussed a Biblical question. The moving picture men were present with cameras, making picture,' of the crow ds and other things about the Stadium.

It was thought it would probably be difficult to make all hear who would attend, and to be certain that all could hear a Magnavox Telemegafone was installed in the Stadium, which Brother Rutherford used to address the people. This is a remarkable invention. The speaker talked in an ordinary conversational tone, and every word could be distinctly heard by every person in the Stadium and by people who were fully a quarter of a mile away, up in the streets. The great crowd sat through the entire address, patiently, eagerly listening to every word, occasionally manifesting approval by applause. Without doubt this is the largest public meeting ever held in the United States during the period of the harvest, and probably at any other time, to listen to the divine program. Many were the expressions of approval heard at the conclusion of the meeting by those who attended, and withal it was a great success, the Lord’s name was glorified and we hope much good was done.

The Stadium had been taken with the understanding that no money would be received for any purpose, and far that reason the friends did not feel justified in offering the ZG for sale, but contented themselves by taking the names and addresses of those who might be interested, Nine hundred of these addresses were handed in, and it is hoped that all of these will purchase the ZGs.

The Magnavox Telemegafone seemingly makes it possible to reach great audiences with the message of the truth. It amplifies the voice many times, and one with a strong, clear voice could be heard by fifty thousand or even a hundred thousand people as easily as he could make himself, unaided, heard by one thousand. Who knows but that the Lord has permitted this invention at this time to give a wider witness to “this gospel of the kingdom, which must be preached in all the world for a witness unto all the nations” before the final end comes!

The Bible Students had arranged for a one-day convention at Spokane, Washington, Monday, July 12. About a hundred friends attended this conventicle,which was addressed by Brothers MacPherson, Goux, and Rutherford. The convention concluded with a public meeting Monday night at the Auditorium Theatre. Fully two thousand people heard throughout this discourse, the house being packed to its capacity, many standing on the sides and in the wings of the stage and upon the stage; and many were turned away. The friends had a supply of the ZGs at this meeting. They sold four hundred and the supply ran out. Those who could not get a copy left their names and addresses. We hope much good was accomplished at this meeting, and that many may get their eyes opened to the loving provision of God’s great plan, and the fact that the kingdom for the blessing of mankind is near at hand, even at the door.

The Bible Students at Fargo and vicinity had arranged for a one-day convention, which was attended by the local class and a few visiting friends, and which ended on the evening of the 14th by a public meeting held at the City Hall Auditorium, attended by about eighteen hundred persons. There was the usual close attention at this meeting, and much interest was manifested by others tarrying behind to ask questions, and much prejudice previously existing was broken down. About two hundred ZGs were sold at this meeting.

A one-day convention was held at Duluth, Minnesota, July 15, attended by the local class and several visiting friends. While the numbers here were small, the same loving spirit manifest at the other conventions was shown; and the friends greatly rejoiced in the opportunity of assembling together. In the evening Brother Rutherford addressed a public meeting at the Armory Auditorium, which was attended by approximately two thousand. The attention could not have been better. Much interest was manifested and a great number bought the ZGs at the conclusion of the meeting.

A convention of the Bible Students at Minneapolis for four days was held July 15 -18. About seven hundred friends attended this convention, over which Brother Wise presided as chairman, and besides the chairman the others addressing the convention were Brothers Baker, Boyd, Bohnet, Stewart, and Rutherford. It was a happy season, a time of sweet fellowship and much rejoicing in the Lord. Some had come from a long distance and for some it was their first convention. There was that marked unity of the spirit characteristic of those who love the Lord supremely, who are anxious to know and to do his holy will.

The public meeting was held Sunday afternoon at the City Auditorium with an attendance of three thousand or more, many being turned away, five hundred of whom walked seven blocks to another theatre where an overflow meeting was addressed by Brother Wise. There was great interest shown, both at the regular and at the overflow meeting. About six hundred copies of the ZG were sold. This convention ended the transcontinental tour, the public meetings of which were attended by the aggregate number of about thirty thousand persons.

We all rejoice for this increased opportunity of fellowshipping with the friends and giving a witness to the public, and pray the Lord may add his blessing to the feeble efforts of those who participated, that his name may be glorified.

CONCERNING THE CHILDREN

Many of the consecrated have felt disposed to present their children unto the Lord in a more public way. This does not mean, of course, that they are taking them in as members of some organization. It merely means that they are presenting these children in the presence of witnesses unto the Lord and asking him to do for them that which they are unable to do. We think this is very proper. At Los Angeles about ninety children were thus consecrated, and at the Tacoma convention about forty were likewise presented; at Minneapolis-fifty-nine were thus presented to the Lord.

In view of the fact that the kingdom is so near at hand and the parents who expect to be of the kingdom class may soon be removed from the presence of their children, it would seem quite proper that more attention should be given to the instruction of the children, especially of those who are consecrated. We hope, therefore, that the ecclesias will arrange for a children’s Bible study class, to be held by some competent brother of the class. Questions may be prepared from the First Volume of Studies in the Scriptures or the questions that appear in The Golden Age may be used. The children should be especially instructed along the line of a necessity for a ransom sacrifice, and informed how that Jesus, by his death and resurrection, provided the great ransom price, and that soon this will be used for the purpose of blessing man, even all the peoples of the earth. They should especially be taught concerning the establishment of the Lord’s kingdom in the near future, and of the resurrection of the faithful men of old, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and others, and told that these just men, under the direction of the Christ, will establish peace and prosperity in the land and that the people will be blessed. The minds of the young should be turned toward things pertaining to the kingdom, in order that they may in some measure be prepared to receive it when fully established, and we strongly recommend that efforts be made in this behalf. This does not mean the old form of Sunday School that we used to use in Babylon, but proper questions should be arranged and the children instructed along the lines above indicated.

THE DIVINE ORDINATION

Isaiah’s Rhapsody No. 2a

AFTER reading in the sixtieth chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy of the sublime exaltation cf Zion, one naturally inquires of himself, like the angel before the beloved John: Who can be the instrument in God’s hand for the performing of this great work ? (Revelation 5: 2) This very natural and proper question is answered by the Lord through the Prophet in the three chapters 61, 62, and 63, in which he speaks of that One who is to bring complete salvation to Israel, both spiritual and natural, and to establish Zion as the means or channel of blessing to the1 more benighted peoples of earth.

1. “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me:

Because the Lord hath anointed me To preach good tidings to the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2. "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God;

To comfort all Unit mourn ;

3. “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, 'To give unto them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they might be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.'’

The Prophet is speaking not for himself but rather for the person of him that is called “the Servant of the Lord”. As heretofore noted (T9-343) all of the chapters from 40 on to the end of Isaiah’s prophecy are peculiarly Messianic in their character, and the theme of the Servant of the Lord is woven hack and forth like a golden thread in an ex<pii-ite piece of tapestry. The mission here spoken of as belonging to that Servant is identical with that already indicated, e. g., to bind up (cp. chapter 42 : 3. 1) and io proclaim liberty.—49: 9.

THE SERVANT A PERSON

Our MaJiT applies this passage to himself and his work. that we .ire not left in doubt as to the identity of the -peakei ; e\en though the glowing language and the jo\ou- rn>sige would M'eiii to leave small likelihood ol uncertainly on the pait of any humble and faithful student ot thi- gospel age. The Jews had long held the idea that they a> a nation would be the Messiah. They did not realize. a> many people in Christendom even now do not realize, and as the Jeus themselves do not yet realize, the need of a redeemer, one who is not only authorized to do works of blessing but who is also able to do them.

In chapter- 19 to 51 there is a development of the teaching concerning this Servant of Jehovah. The conception seems at the first to be that of the nation of Israel considered collectively. (49 : 8, 9 ; 44 : 1, 2, 21 ; 45 : 4) So long a> the attitude and work of Jehovah in relation to the nation are the subject matter of discussion this view is possible to be taken from the various passages referring to that Servant; but when the nation’s work and attitude toward Jehovah and the fulfillment of his purposes come to be considered the term Servant of the Lord takes on a narrower meaning. The actual people of Israel with their many shortcomings, their blindness to the truth, their deafness to the Lord’s message, gives way to that remnant through whom the much-needed blessings are to be brought to the world.

At the same time it is plain that the idea passes on to a person or individual who is distinct from the nation, when viewed from the standpoint of its shortcomings and transgressions (49: 5, 6), in whom are to be found all the attributes of the ideal nation in a concentrated form and who is to realize all that the nation of Israel wu> expected to be. The character and office of this gr.at One are delineated for us in this manner: (a) He is prepared by the Lord from the womb for his extraordinary work (49: 1, 2; Hebrews 10:5); (b) he is endued with the spirit of God Jehovah (42: 1); he is not ostentatious in delivering his message nor is ho inconsiderate or severe in dealing with those who are weak (42: 2, 3); (d) he is to be the embodiment of a new covenant between Jehovah and his people (42: 6; 49: 8) ; (e) he is io be a light even to the Gentiles (42: 1, 6; 49: 6) ; (f) but most notable of all, and especially characteristic of this section of the book, are those passages which intimate that the great ends of the Lord are to be arrived at by the way of humiliation, suffering, and death; and that this darksome passage of humiliation is to lead at last to a new and more glorious life. A hint of the fact that Messiah’s work is to be carried on in the presence of difficult situations which would tend to discouragement is first found (42: 4) ; then more definite statements are made, showing that insult and contumely must be met in the exercise of his mission (50:6); following that is a section entirely devoted to the subject of the Servant’s suffered ignominy, in which the prominent features are his gentleness and patience under affliction, the vicarious nature of his sufferings—in that they are not endured on his own account but for the sins of the people; and in the intimation that after pain and death there awaits him not only happy contemplation of his work but also blessed privileges of dilating that work until peace and life and security abound in all the world.

THE SERVANT AND GOD’S SPIRIT

'I’he Speaker affirms that ho has the spirit of Jehovah, not by way of boasting but by way of testifying that all that he speaks and does may be known to be wrought of God. (John 5:19; 14:10; 10:37,38) The spirit of the Lord is upon him because the Lord has anointed him. Thi- could be none other than the Anointed, the Messiah, the Christ. But as we have already noted that the Servant idea has been gradually narrowed down from Israel as a whole to Israel as a remnant, the “little flock” of Israel, then down to one person, so in the outworking of the Father’s plan we see--in reverse order to that revealed in the prophecy, as is so often the case-- that the Anointed Jesus is first the fulfillment of this prophecy concerning the Servant (Luke 4:21); then later is associated with him his little flock, the remnant of Israel, sharer in his anointing (1 John 2:27), in his throne (Revelation 3:21) and in his glory (Romans 8:17); still later come the redeemed ranks of fleshly Israel under the new covenant, headed by those of their number who are deemed worthy of a better resurrection, and all upon whom the spirit of Jehovah shall be poured “after those days”. (Joel 2: 28) These three threads are running throughout the entire message of the Prophet; and no one not having an understanding of the divine plan for the blessing of all the families of the earth can hope to get more than a glint of its precious meaning.

MT

Three times in Isaiah is the Messiah described as endued with the spirit of the Lord. First, the Prophet himself affirms this as an observer and recorder of fact (11:2); next, Jehovah himself declares of the Messiah, “I have put my spirit upon him” (42:1); and here, lastly, One whose appointed work marks him as Messiah declares: “The spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me”. There can be no reasonable doubt that the same One is referred to in all three passages.

JEHOVAH’S SPIRIT, THE HOLY SPIRIT

Spirit means much, but it does not mean a person. “The spirit of Jehovah” is exactly synonymous with the New Testament expression the holy spirit. While spirit does not mean a person, it is however associated with the person of Jehovah. It is correct, though not particularly illuminating, to say that “the personality of the holy spirit is the Father and the Son”. The Hebrew word ruach, which is here used, like pneuma, its Greek equivalent which is used in the New Testament quotation of this passage, has the root meaning of wind. When the word is associated with beings at all, it is always with rational beings: in such cases it has the subjective significance of disposition and the objective meaning of influence. It is invisible power tinged with personality, i. e., power which is exerted and directed by a person; it is not abstract power, undirected by intelligence. The spirit of a person, in the sense here used, is best illustrated by the Master himself when he, having breathed upon his apostles said: “Receive ye the holy spirit,” i. e., the hallowed breath. It is a sacred thought to any devout mind to know that the breath of the Lord Jehovah is upon him, that he has the interest, the direction, the personal influence of the Almighty to give him wisdom or sustenance or protection, as may be needed.

This spirit, personal power, influence and interest of Jehovah was to abide upon his Servant, because Jehovah had ordained him. It was to abide on him partly as a proof of the fact that he had been ordained for a work, partly because that spirit was needed to enable that Servant to maintain his ordination and activities connected with it. At all events the spirit was to be the power which would qualify him for his work. How do we know ? By various statements of the same Prophet:

“The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. The spirit of wisdom and understanding. The spirit of counsel and might, The spirit of knowledge and of the tear of the Lord.”

— Isaiah 11:2.

This is the true ordination. Apparently these various manifestations or effects of the spirit are mentioned in reverse order, for the reason that elsewhere the fear of the Lord is described as being “the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111: 10), and it is also, of necessity, “the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7), since knowledge is the basis of wisdom. The “fear of the Lord” seems to combine the thoughts of reverential trust with hatred or evil. (Proverbs 8:13) In order to retain and nourish this reverential acknowledgment of God’s existence and worthiness to receive worship we find ourselves in need of knowledge. This'need he also supplies us. Knowledge acquaints us more thoroughly with (the facts of our own inability without him, and of his requirements of us, his noble purposes for us, and other things which stimulate in us a will to do all his good pleasure. When this will or determination has been reached, when we devote ourselves fully to him, Jehovah gives us some fatherly advice or counsel as to the best ways and means of carrying out our determination to serve him. He opens up his Word more fully and gives us understanding, such as we never could have had by any natural powers of our own. Wisdom therefore implies the presence of understanding, of counsel, of might, of knowledge, and of reverence. Wisdom is the object and hence is mentioned first. Heavenly wisdom is knowing what to do, why it is done, and how it is done. Small wonder that the Apostle implied we might find ourselves in need of such wisdom!—James 1: 5.

VISIBLE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SPIRIT

Besides being the spirit of wisdom this same spirit is elsewhere associated with the thought of power: “The holy spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee”. (Luke 1:35) As this promise of the resting of the spirit of Jehovah has primary application to Jesus, we recall that at the time of his special consecration to be the Messenger of the covenant the holy spirit or power or indication of Jehovah’s approval and backing came upon him in visible form—something in the shape or form of a dove (Matthew 3:16; John 1: 32, 33), so that the Prophet John could see and bear witness of the exact time of this acceptance. There were .also visible manifestations when the same spirit, or divine will to cooperate in holy things, came upon the remnant or little flock class of Israel at the time of Pentecost: “Having received the promise of the holy spirit, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear”—the fire and the tongues. (Acts 2:33) This was in fulfillment of the promise: “I will pour out my spirit upon my servants and upon mine handmaidens in those days” (Joel 2: 29), and also in harmony with the statement of the Gospel: “But this spake he of the holy spirit which they which believe on him should receive : for the holy spirit was not yet; because that Jesus was not yet glorified”—and this is the best kind of suggestion that the holy spirit cannot come upon the world until the body of Christ is glorified.

Three and one-half years after the shedding of the spirit upon believing Jews a similar manifestation was given to mark the time of its coming upon the Gentile believers who began to come in to take the place of disbelieving Jews. (Romans 11) Accordingly we read: “The gift of the holy spirit was poured out upon the Gentiles”. (Acts 10:45) To this little flock phase of the “Servant of the Lord” this spirit has been a comfort (John 16: 7) in the sense that the Lord’s power in them, which has prompted them both to will and to do of his good pleasure, has lifted their minds above the usual humdrum of life, above its garish toys, its baubles, its often childish foibles, and given them things to think about which they could not have imagined alone, and which the world knows not of. Is it not a comfort thus to have constant indications of the interest of the King of kings and Lord of lords? Most assuredly.

“THY WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET”

Again, the fjord’s people have found this spirit to be a <iuide. (John 10: 13) It has been a guide in that it has been available in the form of the instructions of Cod's Word. “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the .simple.” (Psalm 19:7) This spirit has not been the power of Jehovah’s arm, but the power of his mind, and as such has been exerted through channels of intelligence. This is a fact too often overlooked by some believers who are always looking for a mechanical baptism of the holy spirit which will give them shivers of delight and a feeling of general emotional ecstacy The outward and visible signs were given at the time of the imparting of the spirit to our Lord Jesus, to the apostles at Pentecost, and to Cornelius, not for their own sensual delight (as far as we know it gave them none) but was merely to serve as a testimony to the beginning of certain time features.

Throughout this gospel age this spirit, this concrete interest, watchcare, and heavenly discretion, has operated to the sanctifying of faithful believers; for we are “sanctified by the holy spirit”. (Romans 15: 16) “Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given us of God.” (1 Corinthians 2: 12-14) It is not the spirit of fear, nor of bondage.—2 Timothy 1:1; Romans 8:15.

When divine intelligence in the shape of the divine purposes, and divine power, in the shape of the divine providences for the carrying out of those purposes, have finished their work with the church of this age, they will both be poured out upon all flesh (Joel 2: 28)—divine attention will be turned away from the work already doin' and will be turned to the work then in hand, to the restitution of the willing and obedient of mankind to a condition of blessing, perfection, and favor once enjoyed by the race as represented in Father Adam. As it is promised to the Messiah class: “I will pour my spirit upon thy seed”. (Isaiah 44:3) The order will evidently be, as it has been during this age, “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile”.—Rom. 2: 9,10; Isa. 49: 6.

The spirit of Jehovah was upon our Lord Jesus and has been upon the church, his body, not merely with a view to distinguishing them, but because Jehovah has anointed them for specific service, and his spirit is necessary to enable them to fulfill the work which they have had to do; for it is “not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord”.—Zechariah 4: 6.

THE ANOINTING FOR SERVICE

The anointing was a designation to office employed in connection with prophets, priests, and kings. This particular anointing mentioned by the Prophet in the passage under discussion is to all three offices, though the prophetic office is here especially emphasized, (cp. 1 Kings 19: 16) This anointing is to preach; and it is the only true ordination. All who have the spirit of the Lord, in response to their faith in and consecration to Jehovah, are ordained to preach, in such manner as stipulated and directed in other parts of God’s Word, and those who do not have, his spirit do not have the divine ordination to preach, no matter what may be their natural endowment and qualifications. The reason for this limitation is given us by the Apostle Paul when he says: “Now, an animal man does not receive the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he is not able to understand because they are spiritually examined”. (1 Corinthians 2 : 14, Diaglott) He does not receive the things of the spirit, because he does not have the spirit and hence cannot understand them as they are. He may well understand the words; but he cannot grasp their true import, nor the blessedness of the opportunities associated with them.

Even those who are anointed, within the meaning of this text, are not anointed to tell any fancy theories of their own, interesting though these may be, but they are anointed for the purpose here specified: (1) to preach the good tidings to the meek, (2) to bind up the brokenhearted, (3) to proclaim liberty to the captives, (4) to loosen the shackles from them that are bound, (5) to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, (6) and the day of vengeance of our God, and (7) to promise the mourners in Zion a change from sorrow to gladness. If we do these things and do them well we shall not have time for vast church federations or united simultaneous financial ingatherings that imply Jehovah to be either disinterested or on the verge of bankruptcy.

NO GOSPEL TO THE PROUD

It will be noted that no mission is given the church to preach the good tidings to the proud and arrogant of earth, to those who feel that they are “rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing”, but only to the distressed, the poor in spirit, to those whose confidence in their own ability to work blessing for themselves and for others is small.- -Revelation 3:17; Matthew 5: 3 ; 7: 6.

One of the severe tests of the church of Christ has been to adhere strictly to the mission here given. After the death of the apostles many capitulated to their own natural desire for “respectability” and sought out some of the great and influential of the world. The great and influential did not like the message which the church had to deliver and substituted therefor a mass of superstitions which have blinded the minds of many, even believers, to the true issues of the gospel age.

But the Lord has heard the desire of the humble (Psalm 10:17) and has directed his providences in such a way as to bring to their attention his message of cheer and encouragement. These humble ones, “things which are despised [among men], hath God chosen” (1 Corinthians 1: 26, 27) to carry on the prophetic message. They are the “poor of this world, rich in faith”. (James 2:5) These, though not naturally endued with all the brilliance and powers which one would expect of prophets of Jehovah, have been guided in their judgments (Psalm 25:9) so that the poor have had the gospel preached to them.—Matthew 11:5.

The broken-hearted are to be healed; they are to be given consolation. The heart is used as a symbol of the affections and also of courage. Both are quite possibly included here. Those whose affections have been deeply and tenderly attached to some object on earth may lose that object through death or through still more humiliating things than death. Their affections are thus broken, or torn loose, as a vine might be torn from a tree which is cut down. Again, the experiences of life may have been such as to break one’s courage, to empty one of his self-confidence, which is an indispensable factor to worldly success. Such bowed-down or discouraged ones receive new hope and hence new courage when they hear the good news of God’s plan for blessing the world and for giving it all that it is now hoping for, striving for, and killing each other to obtain,

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